More Racing editions for Citroën’s DS range

Citroën is to extend its performance Racing badge, currently worn by the DS3, to its big sister the DS4.

A DS4 Racing will be unveiled as a concept at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

And while Citroën is currently not confirming any plans for production, it is strongly rumoured to go on sale in 2013 as a rival to the likes of Ford’s Focus ST.

Citroën has been using the expertise of its multiple World Rally Championship-winning Racing department to develop the performance road cars.

The concept carries Citroën’s most powerful road car engine to date, the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol unit putting out 256bhp, but with emissions of only 156g/km.

The chassis is lowered by 35mm with wider tracks – stretched 55mm up front and 75mm at the rear. Brake upgrades include four-piston front callipers acting on 380mm discs, behind 19-inch wheels and 235/40 tyres.

Visually the car stands out with its carbonfibre body additions of air diffuser, front splitter and wheelarch extensions, and a livery combining matt grey paint with two-tone roof and wheels.

Words by: Andrew Charman